Steve Witkoff’s Groveling to Putin Was Painful to Watch (w/ Michael Weiss)
Summary
Michael S. Smith discusses the recent diplomatic efforts by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow, analyzing their sycophantic approach versus CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s more hawkish strategy. The episode highlights the internal White House conflict between pro-Ukraine intelligence officials and pro-Russian envoys, noting that US intelligence continues to support Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. Smith argues that while the Russian summer offensive has stalled, Western media often catastrophizes the situation, ignoring Ukrainian tactical successes and the complex realities…
Topics discussed
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Introduction of hosts and the 'Report on the Spy' show
Context for Witkoff and Kushner's trip to Moscow
Analysis of Putin's selection of Witkoff as interlocutor
Clip: Witkoff's flattery of Putin and language barrier
Motivations: Midterm elections and pending sanctions
Internal Russian factions and Kirill Dmitriev's role
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US intelligence support and deep strikes on Russia
Contrasting strategies of Ratcliffe and Witkoff
Ratcliffe's pro-Ukraine stance and CIA's role
Ratcliffe's warning to Russia on NATO and hybrid attacks
Battlefield updates: Ukrainian recaptures and stalemate
Debating the 'good cop, bad cop' diplomatic strategy
Kushner's role and the 'vibe-based' media narrative
Ukraine's military perspective and winter outlook
Closing remarks and preview of GOP convention coverage
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